TIPU SULTAN'S PALACE

The construction of the palace of Tipu Sultan was begun by Haider Ali in 1781 AD and completed by Tipu Sultan in 1791 AD. This is a splendid structure now extant within the old fort. It is of two storeys with a large open courtyard in front originally with a fountain and small, ornamental garden with choicest blossoms. The facade is adorned with stately fluted wooden pillars in the north and south. The pillars are connected by cusped arches. The walls and ceiling of the entire palace were originally painted and gilded, traces of which are found even now. The projecting tiles at the eastern and western sides of the upper floor contained royal seat from where the Sultan conducted affairs of the state. The zanana chambers on the sides has low ceiling, which were richly painted. An inscription on the wooden beam describes the palace as an "Abode of Happiness” and “envy of Heaven".